October 1st, 2004

Well, Labour did manage to retain Hartlepool yesterday, but the Lib Debs slashed Labours majority from 14,571 to only 2,033 with a 19% swing in voting. It's a shame the LibDems didn't take the seat but it's still a very positive result at the end of the day showing a massive boost in support to them.

Despite the drop in Labour votes it was the Conservatives who were the real losers. As predicted they did get beaten into fourth place (they came second at the last election) with UKIP polling 3,193 to the Conservatives 3,044. It's also the first time that The Conseravtives have EVER fallen from second to fourth place in the party's history.

So whilst Labour can take confidence they didn't loose the seat, the LibDems can take confidence that they push Labour to the limit and received a 19% swing towards them, UKIP can realistically claim they might grab a seat or two at the next Election it looks like doom and gloom for the Conservatives ahead of their party conference next week.